Physiological Responses of Pilots to Severe Weather Flying

摘要

Selected measurements of stress-related and other physiological variables were made on jet aircraft pilots participating in USWB-NSSL turbulent weather programs. Data were gathered from two categories of flying conditions: (1) storm penetration flights (Scimitar type aircraft) and (2) storm perimeter flights (Canberra type aircraft). Measurements made before and after each flight included urinary catecholamine levels, urinary electrolyte concentrations, urinary hemoglobin levels and body weight. Results indicate a direct relationship between catecholamine output during the penetration flights and the pilots' evaluation of the turbulence encountered. Increased output of catecholamines also corresponded to unusual inflight experiences during storm penetrations. No relationship between catecholamine output and instrumentally measured turbulence was detected in the Canberra aircraft. The data indicate that turbulence effects on sympathoadrenal responses are related to the pilot's evaluation of the turbulence. Stress responses to severe weather flying may be related to the pilot's previous experience and other factors which affect his assessment of the storm. (Author)